Program Overview

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International Business (Extended) with Data Analytics - MSc

Overview

Prepare you with the knowledge and professional skills to lead and manage business towards a world of opportunities.

Summary

The MSc International Business aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business, and is designed to enable students to acquire, develop, and integrate international business theory, and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The Masters dissertation provides the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of international business.

The Extended MSc in International Business aims to provide an alternative route to postgraduate study at Ulster via the Graduate Certificate in Business. The pre-masters model has been designed essentially as a bridging mechanism for home and international students to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study at Ulster and will lead to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.

The Graduate Certificate in Business takes cognisance of the fact that many international (as well as home) students holding ordinary Bachelor Degrees or equivalent, do not have sufficient academic standing to allow them to meet the entry criteria for study at Masters' level.

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Business and, on achieving an overall average of 50% across all 3 modules, will be in a position to progress to the MSc in International Business. They will be deemed to have met the entry requirements for Master's level study by having demonstrated suitable levels of proficiency in Academic writing skills; Study skills at postgraduate level; Postgraduate research skills; and Discipline-based knowledge and understanding.

The aim of the MSc in International Business is to provide students with an applied knowledge of both the macro- and micro- contexts of international business. Students will acquire, develop and integrate international business theory and develop their skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice. The MSc International Business programme will adopt an enquiry based approach to develop professionals who can drive business success and challenge the accepted conventions of the business world by developing business strategies in real life business contexts and delivering effective business solutions. The programme will develop a range of skills including digital, effective communication and analytical skills, creative thinking, adaptability and resilience, to enhance employability and the lifelong learning capabilities of graduates.

Students who have successfully completed the taught modules associated with the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business to undertake a Master's Dissertation/International Business Project. The Master's Dissertation/International Business Project provides students with the opportunity to conceive, design and implement satisfactorily a substantial research project within the broad subject area of International Business.

The general aim of the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma stages of the International Business programme is to inculcate in students a knowledge of skills in, and an aptitude for, international business. This programme aims to allow students to acquire mastery of both the macro and micro contexts of international business. These programmes will include the ability to acquire, develop, integrate international business theory and develop the skills to then apply this in terms of international business practice.

About this course

About

The Extended MSc International Business programme consists of 11 taught modules and an applied piece of work in the form of a Dissertation/Applied Research Project (worth 60 credit points). The programme is normally delivered over 4 semesters and will carry 240 credits, 60 at level 6 and 180 at level 7.

The first semester comprises three 20 credit modules delivered at level 6 (Research Methods for Postgraduate Students - BMG575; Academic Essentials - BMG625; Enterprise Development -BMG626). The second/third semesters comprise eight 15 credit modules at level 7 (Global Business in Context - BMG705; International Finance - BMG704; Global Marketing & Sales Development - MKT744; The Digital Landscape - BMG814; International HRM - BMG935; International Business Research Skills - BMG871; International Entrepreneurship - BMG936 and Global Strategy Development & Implementation - BMG872). Students must successfully complete the 11 taught modules (3 at level 6 and 8 at level 7) before they can progress to the Dissertation - BMG847/International Business Project - BMG858 (worth 60 credit points) in their final semester.

Students normally complete the programme over four to five semesters. If students choose not to progress to the final semester of the MSc programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business. Students who have passed four taught modules (60 credit points at level 7), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business. Additionally, students who have passed the following core modules (at level 6): Academic Essentials, Research Methods for Postgraduate Students and Enterprise Development may exit the programme with the award of a Graduate Certificate in Business.

Full-time students who complete 120 credits (i.e. to Postgraduate Diploma level) are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861,60 credits) or Applied Consulting Project (BMG862,60 credits).

If students choose not to progress to the final year (PT)/semester (FT) of the MSc International Business and HRM pathway programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with HRM (they will have completed the requisite specialism modules). Students who have passed four level 7 taught modules (60 credit points), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business.

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with HRM programme are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861, 60 credits) or the Applied Consulting Project (BMG862, 60 credits).

If students choose not to progress to the final year (PT)/semester (FT) of the MSc International Business with Data Analytics programme, but have passed the requisite number of taught modules (eight at level 7 - up to a value of 120 credit points), they may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with Data Analytics (they will have completed the requisite specialism modules). Students who have passed four level 7 taught modules (60 credit points), may exit the programme with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business.

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business with Data Analytics programme are eligible to undertake the Advanced Practice pathway by completing either the Internship & Professional Development Project (BMG861, 60 credits) or the Applied Consulting Project (BMG862, 60 credits).

Attendance

All 3 Graduate Certificate modules are delivered over a 12-week teaching block in each semester. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate (with average of 50% or more), will allow students to progress to MSc International Business. Students who score an average of 40-49% overall, will exit with a Graduate Certificate award only.

MSc modules are delivered in a six-week block format. The part-time MSc is completed in 2-3 years. Full-time participants can also exit with a PgCert after successful completion of one semester (four modules) or alternatively exit with a PgDip after successful completion of two semesters (eight modules).

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment is 100% coursework assessed

These pre-Masters and Masters programmes offers various methods of teaching and learning to address the needs of industry and the economy in today's fast-changing world.

Studying and interacting with students and academic staff in an international setting, creates a network of contacts and links to local knowledge on an international stage. This masters degree offers directed tutor and peer learning, providing guidance and support throughout the entire programme, in addition to technical assistance.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have gained:

• A third class, pass or ordinary degree, or equivalent from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body or from institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; and

In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by Ulster University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Student and employer needs are reflected in the development of this programme and evidenced in the career destinations and further development of our graduates. The nature of the provision is such that it equips individuals for employment in a wide range of international roles within the public and private sectors and a significant number of graduates are successful in gaining promotion in their chosen fields or alter their career paths following completion of their programme of study.

A sample of graduate employers includes:

• Marriott Hotel Group
• PWC
• KPMG (Germany)
• Deloitte
• Laterooms.com
• Halfords
• Smile Communications
• The European Space Agency
• NI Civil Service
• O Neills International Sports Ltd
• First Derivatives PLC

A number of graduates from these programmes have also undertaken their doctoral studies, both within Ulster University and beyond.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

The Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE)

Accredited by the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE) for the purposes of exemptions from some professional examinations

Fees and funding

10% Alumni Discount

Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Important Notice - Annual Fees Information

The fee illustrated covers the entire duration of the course.

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£7,240.00

International Fees

£17,810.00

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Important Notice: Annual Fees Increase

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.

Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

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Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.